Letters: Think differently about gift giving at Alternative Christmas Fair
Think differently about gift giving at Alternative Christmas Fair
As we begin to prepare for the holiday season, I’m filled with mixed emotions. It’s a time of reflection and gratitude, excitement and wonder, but also — especially this year — with worry and need.
Does Grandma need another robe? Grandpa need new slippers? Do the kids’ teachers need more coffee mugs? These “needs” hardly seem to match the more basic needs — like food or shelter — of others in our region.
University Baptist and Brethren Church is inviting the State College community to think differently about gift giving through the annual Alternative Christmas Fair. Instead of giving more “stuff,” the public can make donations to charities in the name of a loved one, colleague or friend. Donors, or gift-givers, will receive a card they can give to their recipient to show that a “gift” has been given in their name.
Since 1982, the Fair has served as a conduit for donations totaling more than a million dollars for participating charities. Additionally, the event provides an opportunity for attendees to talk one-on-one with those serving the needs of our neighbors and learn more about each agency’s work.
The Alternative Christmas Fair is open to the public and will be held Sunday, Dec. 7 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at University Baptist and Brethren Church, 411 S. Burrowes St., State College. Thirty-two charities will participate. Join us. Get some great holiday gifts, enjoy a delicious lunch, and celebrate the people in our community who are working to serve its true needs.
Jill Redman, State College
Show support for WPSU, commitment to public media
I’ve had the privilege of knowing some of the pioneers of public media in State College — men and women who had a vision that television and radio could be better than a ratings race to the bottom. They fought relentlessly to carve out a space on the VHF TV broadcast band at a time when most “educational” television was relegated to a UHF frequency that many television sets could not access.
Just when it looked like our community was in danger of losing this critical resource, WHYY — the public media organization that serves Southeastern Pennsylvania and surrounding areas — stepped in with a plan to acquire WPSU from Penn State.
The vision is for WPSU to remain an independent community service that continues to bring us news and information, cultural and science shows, children’s programs, and yes — local programming that serves communities throughout Central and Northern Pennsylvania.
By donating now, we can keep WPSU operating during this transition period. But more important, we can signal our strong support for a vital resource that enriches our lives, strengthens our democracy, promotes lifelong learning, and treats us as citizens rather than consumers.
Every dollar you contribute or pledge to WPSU goes exclusively to WPSU and amplifies our collective commitment to public media.
Katie O’Toole, Lemont
Is Penn State’s next great coach in our midst?
Before going out and recruiting another coach, some things to think about:
1. Don’t regret the loss of those players who were recruited by Coach Franklin if they choose to follow him. It is understandable.
2. Don’t regret other new recruits for the 2026-27 class de-committing. If there is no loyalty to PSU then let them go. Self-aggrandizement doesn’t assure loyal and competent players.
3. The hundred or so players that are on the sideline week after week hoping for their chance to play may finally get their chance because “star recruits” have gone to other schools. There could be some NFL players in the making that would never get a chance to prove themselves if the de-committed didn’t open spots for them.
4. To me, the players’ response to Saturday’s win displayed the warm feelings the players have for Coach Smith, with their Gatorade dump and carrying him off the field. Their enthusiasm and pride were evident.
5. Before hiring an outside coach let’s look at what we have in the system. Coach Smith has a strong loyalty to PSU. He has sparked fight into the players. He has come off with a win. The powers that be know more about what makes a good coach than I do. I am asking you to give him a chance for the rest of the season and then make your decision. All good coaches start somewhere. Maybe we have one in our midst.
Debra D Smith, State College
Consequences of Big Beautiful Bill
The Big Beautiful Bill recently passed with assistance from U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson and Sen. Dave McCormick will greatly increase the national debt and at the same time reduce services such as health care assistance. The reductions have been discussed extensively. The substantial increase in the debt has been justified in that the tax reductions will give the wealthy capital to grow the economy. But the size of the economy is mainly constrained by what the population can afford to buy. Much of the extra capital went into things like buying up homes to rent and buying medical and veterinary practices. Then these practices raised prices. Much of the rest of the tax savings the wealthy received in the bill are being used to buy the additional bonds which the growing debt requires.
Roy Greenfield, State College